Spokane, WA, USA - May 18, 2024

A dramatic emergency landing on the North Spokane Corridor (NSC) brought traffic to a standstill on May 18 afternoon when a small passenger plane made an unexpected stop on the highway.

According to eyewitnesses and Washington State Patrol (WSP) officials, the plane, piloted by a trainee with a senior pilot serving as co-pilot, ran out of fuel in one tank and failed to switch to the second tank. With no other options available, the plane was forced to make an emergency landing on the NSC between Wellesley and Freya, milepost 161.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident, and both pilots were able to escape the aircraft without harm. WSP officials at the scene confirmed that the plane landed on a construction site along the corridor, with no construction crews nearby.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) responded quickly to secure the scene and ensure public safety. The NSC was closed until arrangements could be made to safely remove the plane from the roadway.

After a brief delay, the plane took off southbound from the closed section of the NSC, just south of Wellesley, and all lanes were reopened to traffic shortly after departure.